RE: [Paddlewise] Licensing

Dirk and group,

As a licensed professional mariner for over 35 years, I am a
strong advogate of proper licensing of operators.  Guides
too.

Many years ago ... when studying for my origional license ..
which was known as a 'six pack', I took the courses offered
by the U.S. Power Squadron ... which was quite good .. and
at that time FREE ... I don't know about them now.  The
Coast Guard Auxiliary also has good courses.  The basic
points are safety ... which would have covered the incident
with the boat blowing up at the fuel dock.

Fishermen, for years (forever) have been unlicensed.
Licensing would not in itself deter 'hot rods' and
irresponsible operators ... but, if the fees were applied to
more enforcement activities ... I feel that it would be
justified.

Congress over the last several years has been cutting down
on the operational funding required by the U.S. Coast Guard
.... some state's and sheriff's offices in localities with a
lot of water activity have marine patrols.

In order to work as a 'guide' (certified), or a 'tour
operator' .... licenses should be required certifying that
they are qualified both in local knowledge as well as marine
safety and first aid.  If a person purporting to offer these
services can not pass at least a simple test like this ...
they are in the wrong profession.

With proper licensing ... the authorities have a means (some
what) on controling irresponsible operators ... DUI would
incur not only large fines ... but suspension.

According to maritime law .... all vessels (including jet
skies) are responsible for damage caused by their actions
and their wakes ... but how are you going to enforce this if
their is no authority.

As it is now .... anyone can go out and purchase a boat ....
register it ... and operate it without any control or
experience.

Boats considered artisanal, i.e. canoes, kayaks, small
sailboats, etc. should also have some sort of registration
... but exempt from licensing unless the operator is
performing some sort of services for pay or hire ... i.e.
guides, instructors, tour operators.

Someone mentioned some sort of number or plate showing the
name of the builder, hull number, etc.  This is a good
practice ... not only for deterring theft ... but also in
case of an accident.

Did anyone here anything about the kayak that was found
adrift on the Potomac?  I was curious about the 'rest of the
story'.

Capt Donald R. Reid





> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Licensing
>
>
> serious licensing would put canoe (probably kayak too)
> rental operations and the like out of business?
>
> Dirk Barends
>


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